After the first weekend of the season without a podium finish Odendaal is looking for redemption, and is determined to make up further ground on the top of the general standings, where he continues to occupy second position with 257 points, 45 less than leader Aegerter. Last season the South African came close to a top five finish at Jerez, a result that Steven is undoubtedly aiming to improve.
The desire for redemption also drives Sebestyen, who in Barcelona after an excellent ninth place in Race 1 was unable to go beyond 15th place in Race 2, despite an excellent pace. The pace and the growth from a technical point of view will be the basis from which the Hungarian rider will be able to build his Andalusian weekend, in search of top positions and important points.
The Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team arrive at Jerez in third position in the team standings, with just 14 points to make up for second place. The Jerez weekend will start as usual on Friday, with the first two free practice sessions. Saturday will be time for the Superpole and Race 1, which will start at 15.15, while Sunday Race 2 (12.30) will complete the weekend's programme. As for Italy, the Superpole and the two races will be visible live on Sky Sport MotoGP, channel 208 of Sky.
WEEKEND TIMETABLE - SUPERSPORT
Friday
11.25 - 12.10 FP1
16.00 - 16.45 FP2
Saturday
10.25 - 10.45 Superpole
15.15 - Race 1 (17 laps)
Sunday
09.25 - 09.40 Warm up
12.30 - Race 2 (17 laps)
Steven Odendaal: "The ingredients to be fast in Jerez are there, so we have to be positive. There are important points at stake for the championship: first of all we need to stay focused, finding the best set-up in the first practice sessions, and then push hard to get what we want in Superpole and in the races".
Peter Sebestyen: "I feel really lucky and happy at the thought of racing first Barcelona and then Jerez in a week. I love Jerez and I have good memories there, so I'm looking forward to the weekend with confidence: it's a track where the grip can change a lot depending on the conditions, so you need to be careful. We are working in the right way, to find those fundamental details to be able to fight for the first positions. The goal is to be close to the top right from the start, reacting quickly to any changes of
conditions".
Fabio Evangelista (Team Principal): "Personally I like Jerez a lot, so I'd like both Steven and Peter to fight for the top positions. We have a lot of data to start from, to get the best set-up as soon as possible and put both of them in the best conditions. Odendaal has to aim for the podium and the win, and I think Peter can aim for more than just the top ten. I'm very confident, I know we will do a great job".